[Thermography in osteosyntheses and total endoprostheses of the knee joint with and without infection (author's transl)].

Thermography supplies information on the radiation temperature and hence on the blood supply in the body surface area. Together with the clinical findings this can contribute towards the recognition and recording of infections. During the normal course of a cure following osteosynthesis, the radiation temperature rose moderately up to +2 C degrees and returned to normal after 4 to 6 weeks. In case of infections, however, hyperthermia was very pronounced. Hyperthermia did not rise above +2 degrees C in case of mechanical loosening of an alloarthroplastic knee joint substitute. However, in infections temperature rises up to +44 degrees C were seen. Hence, thermography can supply additional pointers for further therapeutic approach.